By way of introduction, here is Dineen Miller’s bio:
Dineen Miller is an Amazon best-selling and award-winning author who loves to write books that make her readers laugh, swoon, and fall in love.
She’s also designed several coloring books under her name and her pen name, Hue Manatee Art, and her love for crochet has resulted in too many afghans to count.
She’s a dog-mom to two furry rescues who answer to wiggle butt and snuggle boy unless there’s food involved, and she’s married to a punny guy, who thinks she’s unique.
Hello, Dineen, welcome to Angel Kiss Publications. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you so much for having me.
When did the writing bug ensnare you?
I started writing short stories as a child and continued to do so through adulthood, but they were just for me.
Then when we moved back to the States (we lived in Switzerland for a short time), I wanted to do some kind of work from home so I could be home for my daughters.
I saw an ad calling for book writers in the back of a quilting magazine, so I sent away for the information packet.
At that point, a story started brewing in my head, so I started writing whenever I had some free time.
Then the packet arrived, and I realized they wanted craft books.I’d written the wrong book!
But I was hooked and finished the story. That was back in 2004, and I’ve been writing books ever since.
Is writing your full-time profession?
As of this year, yes, I’m writing full time. I’m slowly retiring my design business (I’ve done cover design and graphics for the publishing industry since 2004), so I’m excited to focus more on writing books.
How long have you been writing?
Technically since the fourth grade, but I started pursuing publication in 2004.
Have you won any literary awards?
I have! In 2013, I won the ACFW Carol Award for my book, The Soul Saver.
How many published books have you written?
Counting nonfiction and coloring books, I’m at 21 books to date.
Which genres do you write?
Although I’ve written romantic suspense and thrillers in the past, I’m only writing romantic comedy now.
It’s a very different genre and voice, and I absolutely love it. I feel like I’ve finally found my true voice.
What do you find most challenging writing for these genres?
I think figuring out in the early stages which tropes I want to use to propel the story. All part of developing the characters too.
What are you working on now?
I’m in the early stages of planning a spin off series from my Messy Love on Mango Lane Series. This one will be about a hockey team. I’m having a blast working on it!
Where do you find inspiration for your characters?
Mostly I use the Enneagram to plan and figure out what makes my characters tick. It’s so helpful!
Just reading about the nine personality types gives me ideas for scenes, conflict, and tension. Sometimes characteristics from a favorite TV series or movie can give me ideas as well.
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
Most recently, seeing Bookstagrammers chatting about my books to each other.
That is an incredible community of amazing readers, so that was one of my little dreams coming true.
But when I hear how something in one of my books touched a reader in some way, brought some insight or comfort, that’s huge in my mind. Also, very humbling.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
Your author career can look however you want it to. I could easily work twenty four hours a day, trying to do ALL the things.
But I’ve learned from some great people out there that I don’t have to do all the things. That I’m better off not trying to do them all because I’ll burn myself out.
It’s a lot of work being an author, whether you’re traditionally or indie published. We have to do a lot of our own marketing.
So making intentional choices about our commitments and being sure to include self-care are vital not only to success but to endurance as well.
Otherwise, we’re like a fast-burning candle whose light in this world will flicker out too quickly.
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
I have naturally curly hair, I speak German (kind of), and I love being silly and sarcastic. LOL!
What message are you sharing in your books?
Love is the most powerful force on earth especially when mixed with kindness and forgiveness.
What are your favorite books?
I love romcoms! I read one or two a week. But I’m not one to read a book twice, so my favorites change all the time.
Who has influenced your writing the most?
I don’t think on person in particular has. Looking back, I can recall different people who have been the right person at the right time in helping me overcome a challenge or jump the next hurdle. And I’m so grateful for every one of them.
When you’re not writing where can we find you?
Binge watching a TV show while I crochet, watching a hockey game (Stanley Cup Finals!), walking the beach, or floating in my little pool.
A movie producer wants to turn your book into a movie and you get to make a cameo. What would you do in the movie?
Hmm, for Tamed to Be Messy, I think I could do a pretty good job playing Hannah’s mother since I have curly hair!
An elf named 12-25 approaches you. He’s sneezing, wheezing, coughing and there’s a strange tattoo of a snoring dog on his cheek. What do you do?
Give him a wide birth? 🤣 Germafobe here!
What are your most effective marketing strategies?
My newsletter, promo stacks, and Amazon Ads.
Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?
I love connecting through my newsletter (http://subscribepage.io/iJNUnC) and on Instagram (@authordineenmiller). Come find me!
Website: https://www.dineenmiller.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/authordineenmiller/
FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/DineenMiller.AuthorGraphicDesigner
Facebook Reader Group (join the fun!): https://www.facebook.com/groups/338189318445452
Where can we find your books?
http://www.amazon.com/author/dineenmiller (Follow me!😍)
Thank you, Dineen, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck.
He’s always played the field. But when an off-limits beauty is running his rehab, will this injured beach patrol hero flee or swim to friendly shores?
My life used to have meaning. Born with a silver spoon in my mouth I quickly spat out, I defied my parents, dropped out of law school, and became a lifeguard.
What can I say? I love the surf, the sand, and helping others.
But that was before the accident.
My rotator cuff is torn so badly I may have to quit the career that gives me so much joy.
I’ve got a grueling rehabilitation ahead of me with no guarantee it will be successful. Good thing my physical therapist is amazing.
Not only has she promised me a return to full range of motion, she’s easy on the eyes, making the painful exercises worth it. There’s just one problem:
She’s my best friend’s kid sister.
